What Are the Misconceptions About Plant-Based Diets?

April 15, 2020

Plant-based diets have been in the spotlight of late, but they’re no fad diet. People have been eating more plant-based for environmental, ethical, and health reasons. But despite their popularity, there are still some myths and misconceptions about plant-based diets swirling around.

We’ve teamed up with the folks at healthy plant-based meal delivery service Soulara to help clear them up by tackling the top five misconceptions about plant-based diets. Soulara makes eating plant-based easy by delivering fresh, nutritionally-balanced meals straight to your doorstep.

Been wondering: ‘what are the negatives of a plant-based diet?’ Here’s 5 plant-based diets debunked.

1. I won’t get enough protein on a plant-based diet

Truth: Although animal sources like meat, fish and eggs are often touted as the best protein sources, we can easily meet our daily protein requirements (an average of 0.8g of protein per kg of body weight) from plant foods.

Plant foods that are rich in protein include tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. Unlike animal fat, plant-based foods are free from saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

2. I’ll be hungry all the time on a plant-based diet

Truth: Lettuce leaves and carrot sticks might not fill you up, but plant-based consists of so much more than that! Root vegetables, legumes (like lentils, peas, and beans), tofu, tempeh, and whole grains are all very satiating due to their high fibre content and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

3. I’ll have to give up all my favourite foods if I go plant-based

Truth: All your favorite foods can be made plant-based, you just need to get creative. You can still enjoy chocolatey desserts, ice cream, pasta dishes (like Soulara's Nirvana Carbonara and Sunkissed Pesto), and all your other favourites.

Meat can be substituted with mushrooms, tofu, tempeh, seitan, and legumes, cheese alternatives can be made with plant oils or nuts and seeds, and dairy can be replaced with coconut, soy, almond, or oat milk and ice creams.

4. I won’t get the nutrients I need on a plant-based diet

Truth:This common misconception actually couldn’t be further from the truth! Plants are the most nutrient-dense foods we can eat; legumes and leafy greens are rich in iron, calcium and zinc, citrus and tropical fruits like pineapples are high in vitamin C, and berries are high in manganese and vitamin K. By eating a variety of plant-based whole foods, you’ll be able to get all the vitamins and minerals you need to thrive!

The one vitamin plant-based eaters should speak to their healthcare professional about taking as a supplement is vitamin B12, as this vitamin comes from the soil (in fact, many commercial meat products are fortified with B12). You can also get this by eating cheesy nutritional yeast (which Soulara uses in their Jalapeño Mac & Cheeze and Palak Tofu & Turmeric Rice).

5. I won’t be able to build muscle on a plant-based diet

Truth: This ties into the myth of not being able to get enough protein. However, increases in muscle mass and strength are tied to protein intake, regardless of the source; your body uses protein-rich plant foods to build muscle just as effectively it uses animal-based protein sources.